Archive for September, 2007
Tuesday, September 18th, 2007
The 2007 Detroit Ratha-Yatra
A photographic peek into the 2007 Detroit Ratha-Yatra, held this past Sunday, September 16, complete with The Festival of India, live at Belle Isle.
Sri-Sri Radha Kunjibihari, ISKCON Detroit, always welcoming me home….
The “Motor City Mahajana” Bharata Prabhu, basking in the glow..
Sriman Joe “JoeDasa” Swift Prabhu, working the crowds for the pleasure of Lord Jagannath
ECSTASY!
HG Yugal Kishore Prabhu was the MVP (Most Valuable Prabhu) of the Parade. His dancing lifted all to newer and better heights, way above the ugly industrial landscapes of Metro Detroit. Traveling with him, watching him always preach with such vigor and realization, seeing the way devotees respect and confide in him, I feel very privileged to be his preferred driver, sometimes-humble servant, and very good friend
Shashi, our very good friend from ISKCON Toronto, gets ready to entertain the guests and scare the kids in his role as Kamsa in HH Bhakti-Marg Swami’s wonderful bit of theater “Tenth Canto”
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Bhakta-Chris
Tuesday, September 18th, 2007
How Will the Movement Be Successful?
“So you get from all the farms all your necessities, then it will be successful. Fodder, milk, grains, vegetables, and animals and man will be satisfied, and you can chant Hare Krishna. No unnecessary cow killing, and no unnecessary needs of the body.”
Letter to: Rupanuga: — Ahmedabad 29 September, 1975
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Madhava Gosh
Monday, September 17th, 2007
Biofuels may cause more harm that good…
Feeling good about biofuels? This so-called alternative to the our lovely national petroleum addiction may not be all it’s cracked up to be, despite what Mr. TV may say.
Then again, this is one side of the story about biofuels.
original article linked here
By Sybille de La Hamaide
PARIS (Reuters) - Biofuels, championed for reducing energy reliance, boosting farm revenues and helping fight climate change, may in fact hurt the environment and push up food prices, a study suggested on Tuesday.
In a report on the impact of biofuels, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said biofuels may “offer a cure that is worse than the disease they seek to heal”.
“The current push to expand the use of biofuels is creating unsustainable tensions that will disrupt markets without generating significant environmental benefits,” the OECD said.
“When acidification, fertilizer use, biodiversity loss and toxicity of agricultural pesticides are taken into account, the overall environmental impacts of ethanol and biodiesel can very easily exceed those of petrol and mineral diesel,” it added.
The OECD therefore called on governments to cut their subsidies for the sector and instead encourage research into technologies that would avoid competing for land use with food production.
“Governments should cease to create new mandates for biofuels and investigate ways to phase them out,” it said.
The OECD said tax incentives put in place in many regions, including the European Union and the United States, to encourage biofuel output could hide other objectives.
“Biofuel policies may appear to be an easy way to support domestic agriculture against the backdrop of international negotiations to liberalize agricultural trade,” it said.
CUT DEMAND
Instead it encouraged members of the World Trade Organization to step efforts to lower barriers to biofuel imports to allow developing countries that have ecological and climate systems more suited to biomass production.
The OECD also encouraged government to work on cutting demand for transport fuel rather than encouraging production of so-called “green” fuels.
“A liter of gasoline or diesel conserved because a person walks, rides a bicycles, carpools or tunes up his or her vehicle’s engine more often is a full liter of gasoline or diesel saved at a much lower cost to the economy than subsidizing inefficient new sources of supply,” it said.
Biofuels, made mainly from grains, oilseeds and sugar, have been accused of being responsible for a recent surge in farm commodities prices, along with other factors such as lower output and tight stocks.
The OECD, which said in July that it saw biofuels keeping prices at high levels into the next decade, said it would lead to an unavoidable “food-versus-fuel” debate.
“Any diversion of land from food or feed production to production of energy biomass will influence food prices from the start, as both compete for the same input,” it said.
© Reuters 2007. All Rights Reserved.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Bhakta-Chris
Monday, September 17th, 2007
The Prasadam Addict Section 3
Laddu Sadhu
Being addicted to Krishna prasadam is not the same as being addicted to anything else. Prasadam is completely spiritual and if anyone tastes it, he makes spiritual advancement. Still, if we eat too much and fail to control our senses that is not good for spiritual life.
Naturally, a devotee of Krishna wants to become […]
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by jm
Monday, September 17th, 2007
From New Vrindaban in the 1980s
Here is a picture of an initiation ceremony at Bahulaban. In the back, skipping the devotees I don’t know, are Sankara, Rasalila, Kalindi, Sacimata, Saradiya, and Premanjari. Seated is Das and his son Duke. Oh yeah, and some guy hooking up with a brand new danda.
Click on thumbnail for larger version.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Madhava Gosh
Sunday, September 16th, 2007
Radhanath Swami in London
The iniation ceremony on Saturday was quite amazing, they just seem to be getting bigger and bigger. Last year in New Vrindaban we had over 40 people, this year it was close to 40 between New York, LA and Alachua, and here in London Maharaj there were over 50 participants in the ceremony including first and second initiates.
Sunday Morning Bhagavatam class was also wonderful. As devotees were chanting the verse I saw that Maharaj was reading the translation and I could see he was really happy to get this verse, I was trying to make out what it was about but couldn’t quite get it from the bengali. As soon as the word for word started I realized exactly what verse and what section it was. We were reading from the chapter about Sanatan Goswami in Puri and he contracted the disease and how Lord Caitanya would personally come everyday to embrace Sanatan Goswami despite the fact that his body was full of sores that oozed blood and pus. This was the third time this summer that I heard Maharaj speak on this section of Caitanya Caritamrita and every time it is so wonderful.
After the class I was Talking with Deva and Radhe, we had strategically placed ourselves so that Maharaj would pass by us on his way out. He stopped and spoke with Radhe and then gave me a hug and asked the question I’ve been waiting for, “When are you going to Govardhan.”
By now I’ve gotten to understand a little bit of Maharaj’s language, “When are you going to Govardhan,” translates as “Why aren’t you at Govardhan? What are you still doing here?”
One time I approached Maharaj with the idea of living at the Columbus temple instead of at New Vrindaban, this was at the suggestion of Govinda and Gauranga Prabhu’s and Malati Prabhu as well. For a good half and hour Maharaj lectured me on why it was not a good idea. At the end of it all I said, “Maharaj I am a fool please chastise me whenever I need it.” Then Maharaj said, “I just did.” I was so dull that I didn’t even realize that I was receiving a chastisement. Today’s comment could definitely be considered a chastisement.
I told Maharaj that Govind Prabhu suggested that I be here in London and then go to Italy, and then go to Govardhan, Maharaj replied, “Perfect.” It is amazing how he is always giving us the highest standard but he also knows where we are at and is so willing to accommodate us where ever we may be.
Sunday evening the devotees asked Maharaj to speak on the appearance of Srimati Radharani since her appearance day is coming up very soon. Maharaj related how just earlier today one professor who was interviewing him for a documentary asked him why it is that if Srimati Radharani is “half of God” and we say that She holds such a special position in out philosophy why is it that She is not mentioned very much, for example we find no discussion of Her in the Bhagavad Gita. Maharaj went on to explain that all devotion comes from Srimati Radharani. Just as the living entities are part of Krishna, whatever love the living entities have is actually part of the love that Srimati Radharani posses. And in the Bhagavad we may not find Srimati Radharani’s name but Krishna is constantly talking about devotion and surrender. That devotion and surrender is Srimati Radharani. She is the personification of devotion and surrender, and what ever devotion anyone else has is part and parcel of Her devotion. At the conclusion of Bhagavad Gita Krishna tells Arjuna to abandon all varieties of Religion and surrender unto Himself. That is Srimati Radharani, she is the personification of pure devotional service.
Sunday night after the program I was hanging out in the presidents office with Gauri Prabhu, Sruti Dharma Prabhu, Prana Bandhu Prabhu and Saci Kishore (Maharaj’s servant). Maharaja walked in, gave me a hug (two in one day, that’s pretty rare these days), and said few kind words glorifying in front of all the exalted vaishnavas. I always feel very stupid when Maharaj glorifies me because I feel like such a fool that just to appease my desire for honor and recognition Maharaj has say such ridiculous things.
Never the less it was sweet. It will be interesting to see what Italy brings, some of my very fondest memories are of traveling with Maharaj in Italy. The first time it was all sweet, so much nectar, when Maharaj frist arrived in Italy we had a big italian feast then afterwards maharaj called me to his room and we down on our left sides and talked for a couple of hours. The second trip to Italy was also sweet but the sweetness came in the form of chastisement. It is was a different rasa. One time during one of the programs Maharaj was chanting Akroda Paramanda Nityananda Raya which means Lord Nityananda never gets angry, He is the embodiement of the highest ecstasy. As Maharaj was singing I miked the mrdanga. Immedadiately Maharaj stopped the kirtan looked around, “Who did that?” he looked at me, “Was that you?” then very seriously he said “Lord Nityananda never gets angry, but some people do.”
Tomorrow we will see what new surprises this years trip will bring. I leave here tomorrow at 5:00 am and arrive in Italy a few hours before Maharaj, and then from the airport I’ll get a ride to Villa Vrindavan with the devotees that will come to greet him at the airport.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Gauranga Kishore Das
Sunday, September 16th, 2007
Dragon Or Phoenix?
Vidya and I were returning from the temple when we saw this cloud. We were coming up the hill past Judy’s and it dominated the sky; from the angle we saw it seemingly hovering over our house. It was striking because at first glance it seemed to have wisps trailing off in four different directions, […]
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Madhava Gosh
Saturday, September 15th, 2007
Anniversary of Mother Hladini’s Disappearance Day
I think it was yesterday.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by mg
Saturday, September 15th, 2007
Viral Load Not Good
The whole point of taking the interferon with the side effects of fatigue, irritability, etc. is to knock out the virus. That appears to be failing.
I have an appointment with the doctor next Thursday. Normally I take my interferon shot Wednesday night, but I am deferring next weeks’. I suspect we will either suspend or […]
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Madhava Gosh
Friday, September 14th, 2007
London Bridge Is Falling Down, My Fair Lady
Don’t we just delight in books and movies wherein destruction wreaks havoc in one form or other, be it by nuclear bombs, disease, twisters, volcanic eruptions, giant creatures or alien invaders. If you do, then you’ll love The World Without Us, authored by Alan Weisman. Reviewed by Janet Maslin in The Arts section of the August 13th NYT, the book is a “what if” account of what would happen to the world if mankind would suddenly disappear.
How long would our cities and achievements last without us around to maintain them? Early on, Weisman describes the disintegration of an ordinary house - damage by water, by wind, by birds and animals. How everything rots and crumbles - the walls, the floors, the windows, the pipes, the roof. It’ll take about 500 years for it all to break down. It looks like he goes through the same thing with New York City (he thinks streets would collapse into the cavernous subway system in as quickly as 20 years).
The book, of course, is also about what we’ve done to the world. How much time would it take for the earth to replenish itself without our constant tampering? What will happen to the vast mounds of garbage we’ve dumped into the ocean, including all that plastic? The air we’ve polluted? The climate? The various species we’ve brought to near extinction? The war zones and nuclear reactors?
Weisman, however, does not touch upon accounts of ancient times which reveal cultures that understood the earth’s natural rhythms. The earth was perceived as a living entity. The wind, the fire, the rivers, the oceans are all personified. All to be honored since, as agents of the Supreme Lord, they supply our needs
Weisman, a veteran journalist, traveled around the world to interview people and check out various sites first hand. His research seems pretty thorough. The World Without Us is sprinkled with all sorts of tidbits of facts and figures. But the thing is, with or without human manipulation, this material world is constantly changing. The book’s most important theme, however, should give us pause. What are we humans struggling so hard to achieve? Why have our appetites run amok, leaving the environment in such turmoil? Is it preventable? What type of legacy will we leave for future generations?
I leave you with a story: Once there was a sage who lived by the banks of the Ganges River. The sage spent much of his time in meditation and he understood the difference between that which is ‘sat’ (eternal) and that which is ‘asat’ (temporary). Now he was destined to live until all the hairs on his body fell off. He is described as a ‘hairy’ sage. And only a single hair fell off during a life time of Brahma (which is millions upon millions of years). So this sage was going to live for an awfully long time. One day he was asked, “Why don’t you build yourself a nice home?” The sage replied, “Why should I bother? I’m only here temporarily.”
“Physical nature is known to be endlessly mutable. The universe is the cosmic form of the Lord, and I (Krishna) am that Lord represented as the Supersoul, dwelling in the heart of every embodied being.” Bhagavad Gita 8:4
“In charge of the various necessities of life, the demigods, being satisfied by the performance of yajna (sacrifice), supply all necessities to man. But he who enjoys these gifts without offering them to the demigods in return is certainly a thief.” Bhagavad Gita 3:12
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das
Friday, September 14th, 2007
Vegan Cooking: The Revenge
This past Tuesday, the Vegan Cooking Workshop, the ecstatic prasadam/preaching programs courtesy of the New Vrindaban Brahmacari Ashram, centered in the lovely villa of Athens, Ohio, home of Ohio University, got off and running.
Now in its fifth year, this program feeds over 100 students a week the pure goodness of home-cooked prasad, made by the artistic chef-dom of HG Balarama Chandra Prabhu. The whole experience is augmented this year by the fact that we have our own house in town.
On the outside it may look a little dingy, but on the inside a wonderful devotional atmosphere permeates. Instead of the stale smell of day-old beer, incense and the vibration of the Holy Name resounds. It is a true oasis in the middle of the typical realm of student-emanated passions and desires.
Here are some photographic highlights of the first week.
For sale, a big wooden table. Rather shiny and nice. Contact us at cfici26@yahoo.com for more details
The kids get down on an ecstatic pasta dinner
Balarama is picky. It has to be JUST right! First class!
Jason and Narin partake of The Nectar of Furniture Assembling
When I told Mauricio to open the can with his teeth, he thought I was serious!
Better association than your local bar. Preparing prasad with love and care.
Balarama plots his takeover of the Russian Federation.
The kids offer up a lovely prayer to get us all in a spiritual mood before devouring the first feast of the year
The year of Vegan Cooking madness begins! Stay tuned in the months to come for all the adventures.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Bhakta-Chris
Friday, September 14th, 2007
Good News Regarding Shyamasundar Prabhu
Dear Vaishnave Devotees:
Please accept my humbly offered obeisance’s. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and his wonderful followers. About three weeks ago, I sent out a humble request for anyone who might be willing to consider stepping forward as a possible living donor with a liver transplant for His Grace Shyamasundar Prabhu, Srila Prabhupada’s personal […]
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by jm
Friday, September 14th, 2007
New Vrindaban Kirtan Policy
Kirtans at New Vrindavan have been found to regularly exceed maximum allowed sound levels. Due to concerns for the auditory health of everyone in the temple, and in order to comply with GBC policy, the following changes will go in to effect immediately:
1. Kirtan will be un-amplified (no microphone) except for large festivals […]
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by mg
Friday, September 14th, 2007
Roadkill Butterfly
Drained out fluids, dried into glue,
anchor you to the roadside.
Your good wing fluttering
when cars pass by,
its still bright colors
no longer carrying you
until the yet far away night.
Sipping nectar from blossoms,
no more your joyful job.
Not hovering near buddleia,
this hot grey pavement
is where you’ll stay,
waiting for the ants.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Madhava Gosh
Friday, September 14th, 2007
To what can Her face be compared?
“Although the effulgence of the moon is brilliant initially at night, in the daytime it fades away. Similarly, although the lotus is beautiful during the daytime, at night it closes. But, O My friend, the face of My most dear ?r?mat? R?dh?r?n?? is always bright and beautiful, both day and night. Therefore, to what can Her face be compared?”
“When ?r?mat? R?dh?r?n?? smiles, waves of joy flow over Her cheeks, and Her arched eyebrows dance like the bow of Cupid. Her glance is so enchanting that it is like a dancing bumblebee moving unsteadily due to intoxication. That bee has bitten the whorl of My heart.”
Caitanya Caritamrita Antya Lila 1.170-171